Some extremely observant Tottenham supporters may have spotted a familiar face in the Croatia dugout as they took on Spain in their opening Euro 2024 match.
The Vatreni are looking to extend their golden era past their previous successes, which include a World Cup final in 2018.
While stars such as Luka Modric and Domagoj Vida are nearing the twilight of their career, fresh faces bring about new hopes.
Manchester City star Josko Gvardiol is the poster boy for a group of up-and-coming talents coming through the ranks in Croatia.
While Euro 2024 may be the end of a long and illustrious international career for some, it represents a chance to grow into the spotlight for others.
With the campaign kicking off against Spain, some eagle-eyed Tottenham fans may have spotted a familiar face in the dugout, who has helped Croatia qualify for the Euros in Germany.
Former Tottenham defender Vedran Corluka spotted at Euro 2024
Vedran Corluka is well-known for his stint at Tottenham, where he played for four years from 2008 until 2012.
The former Croatian international came through the ranks at Dinamo Zagreb, before moving on to Manchester City in 2007.
In a short spell for the Cityzens, Corluka was a regular until Spurs poached him just one year after he had moved to Manchester.
The defender spent four years in north London, making over 100 appearances as the side looked to consistently qualify for European football.
Supporters took to Corluka, though his career at White Hart Lane never quite ended with his promise fulfilled.
The versatile defender left in 2012, joining Lokomotiv Moscow, where he would stay until he retired from professional football in 2021.
Once his playing career had finished, a move into coaching was the next logical step as he joined the Croatian national team as assistant manager – a job he still holds to this day.
Corluka on Croatia assistant manager job
Upon joining the national team set up in 2021, Corluka outlined his desire to help the nation on its quest to improve.
Speaking to the media, he said: “We agreed [a deal] very quickly, I am honoured that the coach gave me an opportunity that I accepted after talking to former teammates.
“I hope to be of help. In the future, I see myself as a coach, I plan to enrol in the HNS Academy, that is the path I want to take.”
With three years in the role, Corluka seems to have had an impact on the dressing room, as outlined by Gvardiol.
Discussing the impact of the former Spurs defender, Gvardiol told the media in 2023: “At the moment, he’s the assistant manager in the national team.
“He does set-pieces, videos and it is good that he is a part of the national team.
“For me, he had an incredible career and I can learn a lot of things from him as well.”
While Corluka lifted plenty of trophies in his club career and came close to a World Cup on the international stage, he will be looking to bring that same success into his coaching.
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